Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online.
Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on December 7, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program.
Description:
All light arises from darkness, including insight, possibility, vision, and creativity. Darkness is not the absence of light, but a vital restorative expression of nature and consciousness. In the dark, we are invited to open our hearts to fresh perception—to see clearly beyond the mind of separation and remember who we really are.
Nirvana, from the Pāli nibbāna, translates to “extinguishing the flame,” pointing to letting go as the path of liberation. Together, we will engage in practices for letting go. When we recognize every moment as an “in between,” we realize the true power of present moment awareness.
This retreat will explore the sacred interplay of light and dark on the path of awakening. We will open our hearts to embracing the unknown and meeting the bardo of daily life with compassion and resilience. Our time together will include guided meditation, Dharma talks, somatic inquiry and deep listening, and facilitated Dharma discussion to deepen our embodiment of the work.
Sliding Scale: Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports teachers as well as Spirit Rock and your fellow practitioners who need to pay less.
On-Land Sliding Scale: (DE1D25)**
Benefactor – $310
Sustainer – $235
Basic – $140
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K) – $70
**Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, which include full or partial Scholarships, may be available for the in-person program. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org.
Online Sliding Scale: (DE1Z25)***
Benefactor – $175
Sustainer – $95
Basic – $75
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, M/K) – $45
***Online Program: All are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org no later than 12:00pm (NOON) PT on the day prior to the program date.
*Important Notes:
Access to Recording
- Registration includes unlimited access to this program’s recording. You must register by the deadline above. The recording will be available in ~10 days after the program.
On-Land Attendees
- The on-land program will take place in the Community Meditation Center (CMC) in the Great Hall.
- Bring a lunch and a water bottle. Lunch is not provided.
- This is NOT a residential retreat. Overnight accommodations are not provided.
COVID Safety Protocols for non-residential programs: details here.
Cancellation Policy for On-Land: Daylongs, Multiday Programs (1-3 days), Family Programs, CEC fees:
- NO REFUNDS.
- Open Credit or Donation to Spirit Rock = cancel 2 or more business days prior to program (Pacific Time)
- No Open Credit = cancel less than 2 business days prior
